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Unable to install WhatsApp either on microsoft store or through the web

Daniel Ogosi 10 Reputation points
2026-03-15T16:57:36.4+00:00

I initially had WhatsApp on my windows 11 laptop, but due to the recent WhatsApp update (starting from late 2025) that makes the app loads messages every time made me uninstall it. And ever since then i haven't been able to download the app either on the microsoft store or from the whatsapp website. Trying to download it from the microsoft store it shows "preparing to download. 650.0kb downloaded". It's literally stuck. On the other hand, trying to download it from the WhatsApp website still directs me to the microsoft store and with that it get stuck trying to download.

I hope i can get help on here.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Microsoft Store
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  1. TaoLi 80,705 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-15T17:35:36.3766667+00:00

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
  2. TaoLi 80,705 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-15T17:47:51.75+00:00

    Hello, thank you for your reply.

    Could you download and install this software via the link?

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. TaoLi 80,705 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-15T17:45:29.0066667+00:00

    Hello, thank you for your reply.

    This link is safe; please feel free to download.

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  4. TaoLi 80,705 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-15T17:32:36.9433333+00:00

    Hello,

    In the search box, search for PowerShell, right-click and open it as administrator. Enter the following commands:

    get-appxpackage *store* | remove-Appxpackage

    add-appxpackage -register "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\*Store*\AppxManifest.xml" -disabledevelopmentmode

    Then press Windows + R keys, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This command will reset the Microsoft Store.

    Finally, check if the Microsoft Store has returned to normal.

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  5. AI answer

    2026-03-15T16:57:57.6366667+00:00

    Use the following steps to troubleshoot Microsoft Store being stuck when installing WhatsApp on Windows 11:

    1. Reset the Microsoft Store cache
      1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
      2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
      3. A blank Command Prompt window opens and closes after about 10 seconds, then Microsoft Store opens automatically.
      4. Try installing WhatsApp again from Microsoft Store.
    2. Check common reasons an app cannot be installed or found If WhatsApp still will not install or appears stuck, check the following conditions that can block apps:
      1. Country/region availability – Some apps are not available in all regions. If the device region was changed, apps previously available might disappear or fail to install.
      2. Microsoft family settings – Family Safety can hide or block apps based on age rating. Ensure the correct account is signed in and that family restrictions are not blocking the app.
      3. App removed or not available – If an app has been removed from Microsoft Store, its page may still appear for a while but installation will not complete.
      4. Device compatibility – Microsoft Store hides or blocks the purchase/install button for incompatible devices. If WhatsApp is incompatible with the current device or Windows version, installation will not proceed.
      5. Pending restart after Windows Update – If Windows updates were recently installed, restart the PC, then try installing WhatsApp again.
      6. Device not authorized for Store apps – Ensure the device is added to the Microsoft account and that the user is signed into Microsoft Store with that account. See Add a device to your Microsoft account / Manage your devices for Microsoft Store in the referenced articles.
    3. General Microsoft Store app troubleshooting on Windows 11 If the Store itself is having issues (apps stuck at 0% or “preparing to download”), work through these steps:
      1. Make sure Windows is up to date: Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, then install any available updates and restart.
      2. Update Microsoft Store: open Microsoft Store, go to Library > Get updates, and let Store update itself.
      3. Repair or reset Microsoft Store and other apps via Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the app, then Advanced options > Repair or Reset (note: Reset may clear app data).
    4. Advanced checks (if downloads for any Store app fail) If all Store app downloads/updates are stuck (not just WhatsApp):
      1. Verify Microsoft Store is not disabled by policy (for example, RemoveWindowsStore) and that it can launch normally.
      2. Ensure required endpoints are not blocked by firewall or proxy, as Microsoft Store needs Windows Update and other endpoints to download and update apps. See the referenced guidance on required endpoints and HTTP/proxy issues.
      3. Optionally, use winget (Windows Package Manager) to attempt installation if WhatsApp is available there: 
              winget search WhatsApp
      winget install WhatsApp

    If WhatsApp is the only app affected and all other Store apps install and update correctly, the most likely causes are region/availability, device compatibility, or a temporary Store-side issue. After confirming the steps above and restarting the device, try the installation again.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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